H-D and Pope Benedict mark 110th Anniversary milestone

October 8, 2012

By Press Release

Pope, Davidson family meet for blessing of Harley-Davidson tanks in Vatican City

ROME, ITALY, Oct. 3- Next June, tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson riders and fans from around the globe are expected to make their way to Italy’s capital city to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary and the shared passion for freedom that unites riders everywhere.

Harley-Davidson tanks made their way to the Vatican on October 3, where Pope Benedict XVI blessed them as part of the company’s upcoming 110th Anniversary next year

On October 3, Pope Benedict XVI along with Willie G. Davidson and his son, Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum, launched the countdown to Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary event in Rome, June 13-16, 2013, by presenting two commemorative motorcycle gas tanks to the Pope for a blessing. The tanks will be signed by Pope Benedict, Willie G. and Bill, and mounted on two motorcycles—one of which will return to the company’s hometown of Milwaukee and be displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum, while the other will be auctioned to support the Good Samaritan Foundation.

“The 110th Anniversary Celebration will be a rockin’ party and so much more,” said Ken Ostermann, Harley-Davidson’s general manager of International Marketing Operations. “Along with next year’s 110th Anniversary events around the world, the event in Rome is truly the most epic way we can show our thanks for the 110 years of riding and fun our passionate fans have given Harley-Davidson.”

Highlights of Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Celebration in Rome next year include a party in the Port of Ostia, a parade through the heart of Rome, two headlining concerts at Stadio Olimpico and a papal bike blessing at St. Peter’s Square.

“We’re anticipating next year’s celebration in Rome to be one of the largest events we’ve ever held outside the U.S.,” said Ostermann. “That is a strong testament to our continued global transformation as we respond to our growing fan base all over the world.”

Connecting Fans Globally

The Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary is a yearlong, global celebration of the enduring ideals that unite independents everywhere: freedom, rebellion and authenticity. The yearlong celebration features 12 anniversary experiences the company will bring to existing motorcycle events in global markets through September 2013. The events span 11 countries on six continents.

Capping the global experiences are two main anniversary events in Rome and Milwaukee. The event in Milwaukee Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2013, is an expanded celebration including fan-organized rides to the city, a party on the shores of Lake Michigan, a massive parade, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum and three headlining concerts.